One Week Belgium Itinerary: How To Explore The Major Cities

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This post will share a realistic one-week itinerary for Belgium that explores all the major cities.

While researching my trip to Brussels, I found some hidden gems in other Belgian cities outside Brussels.

I honestly did not give it a thought. I just planned a typical city break like any other trip.

But with this new knowledge, I’m already planning my trip back to Belgium to explore Antwerp and Ghent.

I’m also considering how cool it will be to take a high-speed train to Rotterdam in The Netherlands and Paris in France.

Both trips take about an hour and 40 minutes each for one way.

Moving Around Belgium via Train

Based on my experience with my trip from Brussels to Bruges, I’ve found it pretty straightforward to commute between the two cities.

If you’re coming from another European city, you’ll find the process similar to that in your country.

You can buy your tickets at any train station or online.

For English purposes, I prefer to buy my tickets via the Trainline app or directly from Belgian Railways, which is usually cheaper.

Use Rome2Rio to find direct tickets bypassing all third-party companies.

Ensure you have a copy of your digital or paper tickets to show the inspector during the journey.

Also, ensure you’re sitting in the right area according to the ticket you bought.

Don’t be like me and get kicked out of the 1st Class seating.

How To Plan A One-Week Belgium Itinerary

For this itinerary, you can use Brussels as your base city where you’ll go and come.

You can also stay in a hostel/hotel in any city.

Compare the price of the return tickets to Brussels with one to two nights in a hostel.

If, like me, you’d prefer to stay in Brussels, which is very central, make sure you’re getting the cheapest tickets possible directly from Belgian Airways to save money.

The former is a better option if you’ll spend a few nights per city.

But the latter is a better option if you’ll strictly make day trips to each city from Brussels.

Let’s get right into it!

One Week Belgium Itinerary: How To Explore The Major Cities

Day 1 & 2 – Brussels

It’s only fitting that you start your trip with the metropolitan city of Brussels, which also happens to be the capital of the European Union.

You can ease into it and get familiar with the city whilst exploring as many attractions as possible.

Spend your days exploring art and history at the museums and your evening downtown on the narrow cobbled streets with outdoor restaurants with a pint of chilled Belgian beer.

I hear Brussels also has excellent nightlife if that’s your thing.

Here are some iconic attractions you shouldn’t miss;

Grand Place, including Brussels Town Hall & Brussels City Museum
Atomium
Manneken Pis & Jeanneke-Pis
Royal Palace of Brussels
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Mini-Europe
Mont des Arts
Musical Instruments Museum
Musee Magritte Museum
Brussels Park and so much more.

Plan your itinerary around your interests, and you’ll have a swell time.

Day 3 & 4 – Ghent

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stop by Ghent on my last trip, but it is the first on my Belgium itinerary for my next trip.

I hear it has a charm you won’t find in any other Belgian city.

This is a port city where you’ll find several medieval landmarks.

So, if you’re into architectural history, this city is for you.

Here are some attractions to look forward to;

Gravensteen
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
SMAK – Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art
Design Museum Gent
Design Museum Gent
Het Belfort van Gent
Vrijdagmarkt, Ghent
Sint-Michielsbrug

Ghent is still a less touristy city, so enjoy it before the word gets out.

Day 4 & 5 – Bruges

When you’re done exploring a bit of Ghent, you must head down to Bruges via the Gand Saint Pierre Station.

You’ll get to Bruges Station in about an hour, where you can walk or take a 5-10 min bus to the city centre.

Don’t forget to enjoy some authentic Belgian waffles, fries and chocolates.

You might find them cheaper here than in Brussels.

After that, soak in all of the city’s history and culture.

I must warn you that you might fall in love with the character and vibes of Bruges.

Don’t forget to take a boat tour to see spectacular views around the city via the Dijver Canal.

Don’t miss these iconic attractions;

Burg Square
Belfort/The Belfry of Bruges
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Boottochten Brugge
Church of Our Lady Bruges
Frietmuseum
Groeninge Museum
Bruges Beer Experience

Bruges is much more popular with tourists than Brussels, but you should be fine as long as you go during the off-peak shoulder season.

Day 6 & 7 – Antwerp

You want to finish at Antwerp for the final lap of this week-long trip.

You might want to spend just a day and a half here if you need to catch a 45-minute train back to Brussels for your return flight.

Another underlooked Belgian city is Antwerp, a port city known for its Flemish Baroque art and Diamond District.

The city dates back to the 16th Century.

It is now known as the world’s Diamond Capital as the diamond industry plays a vital role in the city’s economy and has done so throughout its history.

You don’t want to miss these attractions;